How Uk Earners Under £35,000 Can Still Benefit From American Express: Top Cards And Smart Strategies

Published on November 3, 2025

As nan in installments paper scenery evolves, American Express (AMEX) has shifted its attack for UK applicants, introducing income thresholds that could effect those earning little than £35,000 annually. For many, this alteration could mean less options for accessing premium rewards cards aliases sign-up bonuses. However, location are still plentifulness of opportunities for earners successful this bracket to use from AMEX’s immense rewards program. Here’s a breakdown of nan champion strategies to make nan astir of AMEX cards for UK earners nether £35,000.

New Income Thresholds: How They Affect You

As of July 2023, American Express began evaluating applicants based connected individual income, making it harder for immoderate to entree high-fee cards for illustration nan British Airways American Express Premium Plus and The Platinum Card, which now require a minimum income of £35,000. Cards pinch little yearly fees are still accessible for those earning betwixt £15,000 and £35,000. This income-based attack divides nan options into 2 chopped categories: high-fee cards for higher earners and modular cards for those pinch much humble incomes.

Cards for Earners Between £15,000 and £35,000

For individuals earning astir £20,000, respective bully options are available. Some of nan astir valuable cards astatine this level include:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card: Free for nan first year, pinch an yearly interest of £195 thereafter. This paper offers a generous sign-up prize of 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which tin beryllium converted into Avios, perfect for travelers.
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card: This card, which carries a £95 yearly fee, provides 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (worth astir £100).
• Nectar Credit Card: This paper comes pinch a 20,000-point bonus, which tin either beryllium redeemed for £100 in-store aliases converted to Avios (12,500 points).

For those earning person to £15,000, nan options constrictive down significantly, but location are still ways to make nan astir of American Express cards:

• Free British Airways American Express Credit Card: This paper has nary yearly interest and offers a 5,000 Avios bonus, nan smallest option, but still a valuable reward.
• American Express Rewards Credit Card: With nary yearly fee, this paper provides 10,000 Membership Rewards points, worthy astir £100.

Best Sign-Up Bonus: The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card

Among each nan options for earners nether £35,000, nan American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card stands out. Its generous sign-up prize of 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which tin beryllium converted into Avios (roughly worthy £200), makes it a apical prime for those seeking important rewards. Additionally, nan paper offers 4 complimentary airdrome lounge passes and £5 monthly Deliveroo credits for a year, adding other worth for travelers.

Other cards, specified arsenic nan Marriott Bonvoy American Express and nan Nectar Credit Card, besides supply valuable points, though they travel pinch yearly fees. The free British Airways American Express offers nan smallest prize but still provides valuable Avios points.

Long-Term Strategies for Low Earners

While high-fee cards whitethorn not connection awesome worth for astir earners nether £35,000, location are still semipermanent benefits to beryllium had by focusing connected cards pinch nary yearly fees aliases little ongoing costs. The American Express Rewards Credit Card is an fantabulous prime for steady, semipermanent use, arsenic it allows for elasticity pinch Membership Rewards points, which tin beryllium converted into Avios, Virgin Points, aliases moreover unit vouchers.

If you’re not rather astatine nan £35,000 period but expect your income to emergence successful nan adjacent future, starting pinch cards for illustration nan Marriott Bonvoy American Express aliases Nectar Credit Card is simply a smart strategy. These cards will support your eligibility for premium cards specified arsenic The Platinum Card aliases British Airways Premium Plus erstwhile you meet nan higher income requirements.

Looking Ahead: Planning for Future Growth

For those who expect a net increase, it’s worthy considering a strategy that starts pinch cards that supply valuable points and bonuses now. This allows you to build your rewards and stay connected way for nan clip erstwhile you tin suffice for nan highest-tier AMEX cards. With observant planning, you tin maximize some short-term bonuses and semipermanent rewards, mounting yourself up for greater benefits successful nan future.